Tag, You’re It! Ed’s Edition

So, Laura from Black Moon Lilith tagged me for “The Blog Tag” challenge. The idea is to answer six questions related to blogging and then tag other bloggers to do the same. I’m changing the rules a bit—I won’t be tagging anyone, but if you’re reading this and want to participate, I’ll definitely read yours. As I told Laura, I enjoy these challenges. I did the “About Me” challenge prompted by Wynne from Surprised by Joy, and it was a great experience. If you visit my “About Me” page, you’ll find a link to that post, or the extended version as I’m calling it.

Well, below are my answers to the challenge:

How did you come up with your blog name?

The name Thoughts About Leadership, History, and More reflects my deep interest in two main subjects: leadership, which spans 38 years of hands-on, practical experience—from joining the Civil Air Patrol, a U.S. Air Force Auxiliary organization that promotes leadership and aerospace education, in 1985, to my retirement from the U.S. Army in 2023. The other subject is history, which is closely connected to my leadership roles, from learning about the Wright Brothers and General Billy Mitchell in the Civil Air Patrol to studying various wars and conflicts in the United States and abroad while serving in the Army. Additionally, history unrelated to my military background but directly tied to my personal life, such as family history and societal issues impacting my beautiful island of Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, also inspires me. Every problem we face in this world has a historical aspect, and it’s fascinating to search for clues to the “why.” 

Then the “and More” because I knew I would be writing about other things, though I didn’t know what those would be when I started blogging. I didn’t expect to write poetry posts or add music videos. 

Here are some photos so you can see how those 38 years look and, of course, have a little laugh.

Cadet Sergeant in my first Camp – 1986
Cadet Captain – 1989
Private / Squad Leader – 1992
Army ROTC Cadet – 1996
2nd Lieutenant – Infantry Basic Course – 1999
My first Platoon. Rifle Platoon Leader, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii – 2000
Company Command. Activating and taking command of a new unit, a great leadership challenge – 2005
Ah! Retirement – 2023

If your blog was a person (fictional or real), who would it be?

General (Retired) Vincent K. Brooks, my commanding general when I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was a great gentleman and leader—I learned a lot from him.

What helps you create new content if you feel like you need some inspiration?

My reading notebook. I probably have thousands of notes from books I’ve read over the years on history, leadership, religion, politics, and other topics. Additionally, news articles often trigger my writing spirit.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, collaborate means “to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.” I believe I’m already doing that within the WordPress community. WordPress is one of the best collaboration tools out there. Getting millions of people to read blog posts and engage with others through comments is, in my humble opinion, the epitome of collaboration.

Is there anything more you wish you had or would like to learn as a blogger?

Creative writing, specifically fiction. There are some amazing fiction writers on WordPress. Laura, who tagged me for this challenge, is one of them. Just incredible.

Do you have a specific style of blogging?

I’m trying to balance serious writing on deep subjects with lighter posts, such as my “Rockin’ Thursdays,” but it’s really hard for an introvert who spends most of the day in his head to stay “light” in conversations or writing.

I hope you enjoy reading this post, and thank you, Laura, for tagging me.

39 thoughts on “Tag, You’re It! Ed’s Edition”

  1. This was wonderful to read, thank you so much for sharing more of your story. Your reading lists always lead me to do more research, I love that you have a reading notebook. I read your About page and was deeply touched by your upbringing. Thank-you for making your life so much better and for creating a better world for your family. As someone who was raised in severe poverty, in a highly dysfunctional household, it always makes me feel hopeful and proud when I find another person who has endured hardships yet is still a kind, thoughtful, strong, positive influence. I’m glad to have found your blog. Thank you for your service. Thank you for doing the good things you do.

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    1. Thank you so much, Rose, for your kind words. I’m deeply touched and honored by your message. I’m glad that you are enjoying my posts, and it gives me inspiration to continue writing. Again, Thank you. 🙏🏼

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  4. Introverts are inevitably profound people. It’s quite a challenge for them to hold lightness of being and profoundness while keeping going with their lives. I believe you resonate here as much as I do! Anyway, I enjoyed very much reading your “The Blog Tag” challenge and knowing a little bit more about your drivers and background. Thanks to Laura as well for tagging you; she chose well!! Lots of light and blessings to you, my friend*

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  5. Oh I so loved this and your pictures are priceless, Edward! It’s so wonderful to hear more about your ties to the military. You always share wonderful information that stimulates me to dig deeper and learn more and you know I loved how you had explored the creative side of you in poetry and music! I’m blessed to know you! 💕🙏🏼

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    1. Thank you, Cindy. You are a very special person, and your energy is contagious. I really appreciate your mentorship—yes, I consider you a mentor because you are a wise teacher and a wonderful guide. I learned early in my career that you can mentor others through writing, and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for supporting my writing and for your kind words. 🫶🏼

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      1. Good Morning Edward,
        I just got chills reading your kind hearted words that touched my heart and gave me an awe.. sigh moment. Thank you so much for sharing this with me as it comes at a time thats soothes as I’m working on my poetry book and in a bit of a quandry. You are truly a love and I’m touched and delighted to know you. You are so very welcome and thank you my friend. 💗🙏🏼💗

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  8. I feel so fortunate to be reading your blog, rich in resources and inspiration, and following your journey. Wonderful learning more about you through your answers and photos. Thank you for sharing and for your service. 🙏🏻

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    1. Thank you so much, Michele. 😊 Let me just say that, your blog is truly inspirational, and I’m learning a lot from your writing. I never saw myself reading novellas, yet I’m about to start my second one. So, thank you. 🙏🏼

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      1. You’re very welcome, Edward. Thank you for the effort you put into sharing your distinguished and commendable service with us. 🙏🏻 I am honored and happy to be an inspiration; thank you for your supportive presence.

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  11. Love this history and more about your blogging journey, Edward. Your reading notebook sounds like an incredible source! And the pictures of you throughout your Army career are so fun to see! Thanks for the shout-out about the “About Me!”

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    1. Thank you so much, Wynne. My brain is weird—I need to highlight what I read and then write it down in my notebook. That’s the only way I can retain information. Your “About Me” challenge was awesome, and it gave me the opportunity to open up about a few things publicly. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

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  13. I enjoyed learning a bit more about you, Edward. My husband was career miliary, too. He was in the Navy for 21 years. I’m reading a book by a former faculty colleague who is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel that you might find interesting: “Airpower in Literature: Interrogating the Clean War, 1915-2015.” (As a work of scholarship, it’s very expensive, though.)

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  14. Ahhh thank you so much for participating Edward! Loved your answers, your trip down memory lane with the images was epic! 👏 👏 What a venture through the past, all the way up to the present! You look ecstatic in that retirement photo! 😆 it’s amazing how much information you have accumulated from over the years and sharing that with the community is always so interesting.

    The music videos and poems are also some of the best posts as well! I do appreciate your kind words and compliments on my writing. 😊

    Thanks again Edward! Sorry for my lengthy comment 😆 but I definitely enjoyed learning more about you! ☕️ ☕️

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